Of Secrets and Lies
Chapter Three
Absent From School
Tick...tock...tick...tock
The sound of the Grandfather clock was the only noise in the room. It's chimed echoed off the walls of the unusually silent Kamiya household. It's sound was usually soothing to Kaoru but it did nothing but irritate her nerves which were at breaking point with boredom. To put it simply - there was nothing to do. Normally she treasured days off school and would enjoy feeding her inner sloth by laying on the sofa doing nothing but watching old videos and reading manga's or classic novels. After three days, however none of these bore any appeal. The video's and films were ones which she had watched a thousand times. There was nothing to do and the house was eerily quiet.
'I guess I could sleep...I am sort of tired but it seems sort of pointless,' She drummed her fingers on the arm of the chair and began to ponder through her options. For a few hours she'd amused herself on the computer but the pop-up's and viruses had driven her insane combined with the computer crashing ever half hour or so. Finally she'd given up out of temper and was now faced with her latest dilemma. It was noon, nobody would be home for another four hours and she was expressively forbidden to leave the house.
'I can't even go and rent something from the shops! I mean it's only a five minute walk and-' Kaoru tried to shove the tempting thoughts from her mind. All it would take was for someone to see her (and with her cast it would be hard not to). Kaoru glared at the bandage on her arm covering up the burn. It was irritating, especially when she had an itch and especially since Yahiko had taken the liberty of writing BUSU on it in block capital with a thick black marker pen. On the other hand who would see her? Her father was on the other side of Kyoto and the rest of the brood was in school. Just five minutes...then you can get a DVD and come home and watch it.'
It was tempting. Kaoru was trying to use will-power but was failing miserably. All she needed to do was put on her jacket and make a quick dash. Maybe she could pick up some chocolate on the way or go to that Italian Bakery. Without realising she was all ready on her feet and her hands were reaching for her purple jacket. 'I am truly pathetic...It's not fair though! I hate being alone in the house!'
Checking her appearance in the mirror hanging up in the hall she could verify that her baggy green pyjama bottoms were quite unidentifiable as what they really were. The cute teddy on the top was nearly hidden completely by her jacket. The small amount of change on the unit was in her pocket. True, she didn't look at her best but then everyone was in school. Who was going to care what she looked like? Her heart fluttered, she felt oddly like a criminal on a breakout mission than a supposedly ill school girl nipping to the corner shop to get a DVD. Smiling slightly she shut the door behind her and walked down the garden path.
'After-all fresh air is supposed to help sick people!'
"And if we multiply outside the brackets you should end up with 2x squared add 2y."
Sagara Sanosuke tried to let the noise of his mathematics teacher wash over him. It never ceased to amaze him how people actually willingly chose the subject as a career path. How could somebody sanely want to teach algebra and enjoy it? Some people in the world were just plain strange. He glanced down at the blank pages of his workbook. He had tried to answer the questions...he had attempted to put pen to paper but somehow it hadn't worked out for him. He wasn't Megumi. Things like this came easy for the kitsune.
'Five minutes left...might as well see what torture awaits me after break,' Mused Sanosuke, running a hand through his spiky black hair before rummaging in his bag. Finally he plucked out a very crumpled piece of paper bearing the names of his next subject. He smiled grimly; Biology. Fate sure had a sick sense of humour. Yawning he sighed looking back up at the clock. 'I can't concentrate...Katsu was round too late last night. That guy sure is addicted to loosing bets.' Technically he should have thrown out his friend when it got past midnight but thanks to Katsu's stubborn reluctance to loose he had earned Sanosuke a fair bit of money.
"And that is the class adjourned for present," Announced the sensei in a small voice as the bell sounded. Sanosuke almost felt sorry for the mousy haired man in the tweed brown suit. He did try, bless him but Sanosuke remembered the detention he'd received from him last term for not handing in his homework on time. His arm still ached from the lines. Shoving his hands in his pockets he walked casually out of class towering over his fellow students. Honestly what was with the little kids...they seemed to grow shorter every year and they developed worse attitudes. Just last week some punk had started giving him lip. 'Won't be doing that again, the little brat.'
Outside in the school grounds it was a warm sunny day with a slight chilly breeze. He sighed contentedly and turned to stare up at the buildings of the Sakurihi Institute. There was a choice looming ahead of him. He could go back in fifteen minutes with the rest of his peers and sit through what would probably be the most boring waste of fifty minutes ever...or he could go back to his flat and try out that new play station game. 'Maybe take Notaro out on a walk to see Jou-chan, if she doesn't bite my head off for skipping class.'
The option was tempting. Sanosuke grinned roguishly, was there ever even a choice to make? He turned around and began to walk towards the school boundaries. He was going back to his flat to get changed out of his school uniform. The black trousers made him feel like a snobbish prat that had, had a poker shoved up his backside since birth. Once he was changed he would take Notaro and go see Jou-chan. Maybe take some sort of chocolate as a peace offering. Hopefully Koshijiró wouldn't be home. The thought of his old guardian knowing Sanosuke was skipping school made him feel hot and uncomfortable. 'It's not like I don't have a plan...'
Once he was clear of the school and wandering among the terraced houses he felt relieved. It would have put a spanner in his plans if somebody had spotted him. Now he walked freely on the pavement following the route that would lead through the busy shopping district and the urban area where his flat was situated only a fifteen minute walk from the Kamiya household. When he had moved out he hadn't wanted to stray too far. He whistled slightly as he mingled in with the crowds of midday shoppers. 'Must be pushing eleven by now. I'll phone in the school when I get back and say I had a fever or something.'
Then, amidst the crowds something caught his eye. A glimpse of red hair. Sanosuke squinted walking in the figures direction. If it was who he thought it was then he was not the only one taking a bunk from school. As he moved closer his suspicions were confirmed as he noticed the scrawny figure dressed in a school uniform two sizes too big. 'So is that guy, Himura or whatever. I feel like he's almost been avoiding me the past three days.' It was true, whenever Sano had attempted to find the boy he was all ready gone. Well, he wasn't getting away this time. The nineteen year old crept up behind him and clamped him on the shoulder.
"You know if you're going to go skiving you should really change out of the uniform," Said Sanosuke. The boy turned around and his large purple eyes widened looking politely bewildered. Sanosuke chuckled but the boy tilted his head to the side making him look like a child who'd been caught raiding the cookie jar.
"Sessha has a free period Sanosuke-san de-gozaru."
"Of course you do," Sanosuke rolled his eyes, "And you can cut the formalities, I'm not you're parent or whatever but since you're wandering around here do you want to join me?" Offered Sano. Kenshin looked doubtful and Sanosuke could tell he was going to politely refuse in that weird mannerism he used. For some reason the kid intrigued him and Sano did owe him for looking out for jou-chan. "Unless of course you have something else you'd rather be doing?"
"Iie. This one was just thinking he needs to give Kaoru-dono her homework." Said Kenshin thoughtfully.
"Well that works out good. I was going to visit her once I stop off at my place to get changed. I feel like an idiot in this stuffy uniform." Confessed Sanosuke. Turning around he walked through the street carving a way through the masses. Kenshin obediently followed and no doubt a few passers-by's stared at the odd duo. The larger than life teenager that looked like a rock star-reject walking with the red haired boy that looked like he was dressed in his older brother's uniform. Still it was Kyoto. Stranger things had happened.
After a few minutes Sansouke pulled out his flat key from his pocket. The block of flats was not as uninviting looking as the ones across town. For instance there was no graffiti or windows smashed in. Pushing on the stiff door he walked through the corridor with the neon white lights before pausing outside flat number 2. As soon as he turned the key and pushed open the door and stepped inside a fluffy avalanche descended on him.
"Hey boy! Get down you big furry lump!" Complained Sanosuke trying to shove his dog off him. This turned out to be harder than it looked as the dog in question resembled a small bear. A large wet tongue began to lick his face and finally Sanosuke managed to pry the paws from his shoulder. Once the dog had all four paws on the ground it began to pant excitedly before turning it's large brown eyes towards Kenshin who stood in the doorway staring from Sanosuke to the dog in surprise.
"Oh. Notaro this is Kenshin, Kenshin the big slobbered is my buddy Notaro," Said Sanosuke giving his 'buddy' a friendly pat on the head. The large furball barked before trotting further into the small flat probably to go back to sleeping in his basket. Sanosuke ventured further through the small narrow hallways into the bright living room. It was modest in size and the walls were painted a sky blue and there was a navy coloured carpet. Sanosuke grinned slightly remembering the day Misao and Kaoru had came around to help decorate. Admittedly the room was slightly messy with some un-ironed laundry draped over the edge of the saggy leather couch but then again it wasn't as if his invitation to Kenshin had been pre-planned.
"Take a seat. I'll be back in a minute." Said Sanosuke leaving the room to enter his bedroom. He pulled a pair of loose jeans from the closet and swiftly changed into them, dumping his school trousers carelessly on the floor. He tugged off his navy shirt and replaced it with a black tee-shirt and once again pulled the familiar white jacket back on. Giving himself a quick spray of deodorant he was ready. When he re-entered the sitting room Kenshin was sitting on the couch playing a friendly tug-of-war game with Notaro while his eyes scanned the photographs on the mantelpiece.
"Ah, so you're back now Sano." Said Kenshin noticing the teenager's reappearance. Sanosuke smiled feeling relieved that he'd dropped the san; meanwhile Notaro seemed to have given up on the stranger in order to pursue the task of licking his paws to clean himself. "It seems you've been friends with Kaoru-dono's family for quite some time de-gozaru?" Said Kenshin lightly his gaze piercing a photo displaying a younger looking Sano with a puppy (Notaro) on his lap while a thirteen year old Kaoru and a twelve year old Misao stood surrounding him. Koshijiró had a hand on Sanosuke's shoulder while Megumi watched in the background holding Yahiko's hand.
Sanosuke nodded sitting down to do up the laces on his trainers, "Yeah, Koshijiró is a really good guy. When I was thirteen he sort of adopted me as surrogate son. I lived with the Kamiya's until about six months ago; Jou-chan and the brat are practically my little siblings."
Kenshin nodded understandingly. Sano watched him carefully out of the corner of his eye. He might not be a psychic or a psychologist but the way the kid was looking at the photo it was almost like he was envious. Finally Kenshin sighed softly taking his glance away from the photograph and back to Sanosuke. He smiled slightly, "You must be very protective of them de-gozaru?"
Sanosuke chuckled darkly, "Put it this way. If anyone tried to lay a finger on Megumi, Jou-chan, Misao or even Yahiko then I'd be the one taking their measurements to the undertaker so he could size up the coffins." Kenshin nodded again before looking at the other pictures giving Sano some time to stand up and fetch the lead for Notaro. 'There's something strange about that kid. I wouldn't say he's bad but he seems pretty old...well to look at he could pass for sixteen but his eyes...' Sano stared curiously at him. 'Way too old for his face.'
"Is that a relation of yours Sano?" Asked Kenshin casually. Sanosuke frowned feeling an unwanted surge of emotion as he stared at his prized photograph displaying his older brother.
"Yeah, but don't take this the wrong way. I barely know you so I'm not going to start relenting some sob story to you yet okay?" Said Sanosuke gruffly. Kenshin nodded seeing that he'd stretched his barriers a bit too far. Sanosuke decided to change the subject and directed his attentions to Notaro. "Hey, you daft mutt. Are you just going to sit there or do you not want a walk?" Notaro looked up from licking himself and stared at Sanosuke pleadingly.
"Come on you big furball. I'm not playing a sucker to that look again," Said Sanosuke. Notaro stood up grudgingly and allowed Sanosuke to clip the red leash around his collar. Standing up Sanosuke picked some spare change off the nearby unit before shoving his keys in his pocket.
"All ready then?"
"Arigatou," Said Kaoru politely as she picked up her goods from the counter.
Nestled in the depths of the white plastic bad were two DVD's and bag of chocolate toffees. Kaoru had decided that if she was going to splurge she would do it the proper way and then moan later as she stepped on the scales. As she stepped outside she couldn't help but feel slightly elated as she eyes the semi-busy street. It felt sort of liberating being able to go were she pleased instead of Misao dragging her from one clothes shop to the next. Crossing over the road Kaoru stared at her favourite bakery feeling her stomach growl.
'I can't...can I? Well nobody has noticed so far...besides I'll only be in there for a few minutes,' Feeling impulsive Kaoru marched in decisively and sat down on one at one of the tables next to the window. The smell of freshly baked bread was intoxicating and never failed to make her hungry. Bakery Italiana was all about Italian foods and the name suggested. The interior was spacious with the bakery counter at the front while wooden tables and seats were laid out at strategic points with small vases of flowers on each while mini-Italian flags hung from the ceiling.
Kaoru sat there for a few moments awaiting her order. It was soothing and relaxing just being able to watch the people drift by frantically. A sort of calm spread through her and she felt detached from the world and it's noise. Here she could appreciate the little things and organise her scattered thoughts better. The gentle hum of chatter in the background was relaxing too, mixed in with the warmth of the cafe. A nice peaceful utopia away from the general chaos that surrounded her life. Once her order arrived Kaoru tucked in. It was Italian styled bread with creamy butter and cheese along with a large strawberry milkshake topped with foamy cream and a small cherry.
"Gomen nasai but you really can't bring that dog in here."
Glancing over her shoulder Kaoru craned her neck to see what the young waitress was going on about. Then she got her answer a second later.
"Aww, come on. He's housetrained honest...please just while we wait for our take-out order!" Kaoru stared in surprise. The voice she would recognise anywhere, especially the desperate pleading tone associated with begging for money or food. 'Sanosuke! What the heck is he doing away from school?' Kaoru saw red as she stood up. Then her eyes averted from Sano to the shorter slighter figure beside him. 'Kenshin? Well frankly I thought he had more sense?'
Kenshin glanced up and then his eyes collided with Kaoru's. Looking sheepish he tapped Sanosuke on the shoulder, the noisy teen stopped arguing with the waitress and snapped at Kenshin before the realisation dawned on him as he saw Kaoru standing there with her arms crossed and an infuriated expression on her face. It was admittedly satisfying to see Sanosuke cower and hide behind Kenshin as if hoping if objects were going to go flying that Kenshin would shield him.
"Sanosuke. What. Are. You. Doing?" Said Kaoru in a sugary sweet voice.
"Um...Jou-chan...I have a free period. Right Kenshin?" Said Sanosuke desperately. Kenshin nodded looking doubtfully at Kaoru who snorted.
"Right. Well in that case you won't mind me telling Megumi I saw you here..." Threatened Kaoru.
"Please! Jou-chan...I'll buy you anything you want. Speaking of which aren't you supposed to be at home resting right now? I'm sure Koshijiro would be pretty disappointed if you deliberately disobeyed his parental authority." Said Sanosuke raising an eyebrow. Kaoru growled...damn him. Now she was going to have to let him off the hook. He had her pinned good and proper.
"Look, I really must insist you take the dog out of here. Here's you're order," Said the waitress dumping a bag into Kenshin's hands. Kaoru groaned before dashing back to her table leaving some money alongside the bill. This was just typical. You found peace and then some idiotic sibling would come along and make a lot of fuss. The trio plus Notaro made there way out of the bakery until they were out in the sunlight. Once there Kaoru wasted no time in thumping Sanosuke on the head with her available arm.
"And what are you doing skipping school with him?" Demanded Kaoru rounding on Kenshin who tried to piece his face into an expression of saintly innocence.
"Free period?"
Kaoru could have sworn that the red head looked amused at her display of temper. She huffed and turned her head the other way hoping that he hadn't noticed her attire of pyjamas. Sanosuke sighed and patted Kaoru on the the head placing a bag of something warm and sweet-smelling into her hands.
"Listen here Jou-chan, we won't say anything if you don't. These are some of those pink icing cakes you like...I bought them for you to cheer you up."
"Pink...icing?" Murmured Kaoru staring at the paper bag. Finally she relented...
"Fine...but if I catch any of you skipping school again then next time I won't be so merciful!" Warned Kaoru.
"Go on! Tackle him you big wuss!"
Kaoru had yet to discover the strange power that seemed to radiate from Sanosuke. All she knew was that he had a habit of taking over everything. Her house, her food and her life in general. It wasn't necessarily a bad thing but when she was forced to watch rugby on the television it was. How she got in her current position was something she couldn't work out either. All she knew was that Sanosuke was sitting with her on the sofa while Kenshin sat on the floor. Notaru seemed to be going for the blanket look because he was draped across Kaoru's knees. His weight was going to either crush her or melt her.
The Assistant Master winced as some huge player managed to tackle another to the ground ensuring a mass pile up of broken ribs and bloodied noses. The gore seemed to be an added bonus to Sanosuke though. Finally unable to take anymore Kaoru plucked the remote out of Sanosukes hands and flipped the channel.
"Hey, I was watching that!" Whined Sanosuke.
"Well, it's my house and I refuse to get bored to death by your lack of taste!" Complained Kaoru while Sanosuke scowled. She giggled slightly noticing the farmyard programmed she'd turned the channel too. A large rooster appeared on screen which the presenters were trying to catch. After another failed attempt of catching the bird Kaoru laughed slightly smirking at Sano. "He looks just like you!"
"What was that? Easy to say coming from a Tanuki like you!" Growled Sanosuke.
"What did you just call me?" Yelled Kaoru. The nickname was a sore point and one that her darling older sister had came up with. Somehow as soon as she hit the age of twelve everyone was calling her that and it never ceased to irritate her as Megumi well knew and took pleasure in. Whatever got the rise out of Kaoru was considered funny and hilarious in the medical students books.
"Maa, Maa maybe you two should just calm down a little. Besides she does have a point Sanosuke," Said Kenshin brightly. His comment earned him a one way ticket to the opposite wall as Sanosuke lashed out. A stream of orororo's echoed behind him while Sanosuke was taking the agreement as treachery of the lowest kind.
"You're supposed to look out for me! Us guys stick together!" Said Sanosuke boldly. Kaoru snorted trying to heave the furry weight off her legs. Notaro rewarded her efforts by licking her in the face and giving her sparkly puppy eyes that she had not been able to resist since they got the dog as a Christmas Present for Sanosuke four years ago. Kaoru sighed giving up her fruitless attempts.
"Anyhow I'd best be getting off anyway. It's nearly two o'clock and I have a score to settle with Katsu," Sanosuke said shrugging his white coat back on his shoulders. Kaoru raised a sceptic eyebrow...settling scores usually meant gambling. Honestly did he know no bounds? 'Typical Sanosuke, late as hell for school but punctual for gambling sessions. I guess he'll never change.'
"This wouldn't happen to involve gambling would it?" Asked Kaoru.
"Come on you big furball! Don't give me those eyes!" Grunted Sanosuke trying to heave his dog off Kaoru's lap. When he finally succeeded he clipped on the leash and then looked at Kaoru feigning an innocent expression. "Of course not Jou-chan...What do you take me for?"
"Do you really want me to answer that?" Kaoru said smirking slightly. Sanosuke shook his head ruffling her hair affectionately before making his way to the door.
"Bye Kenshin. See you at school tomorrow." Said Sanosuke. Kenshin nodded and without further ado the tall youth had left the house leaving in his wake two teenagers. Kaoru smiled awkwardly not quite knowing what to do. 'What do I say? What do I do?' This was a new situation for her. She'd never been left alone in the presence of new acquaintances before and the last two hours Sanosuke had been there to break the ice. Now she was on her own she felt much less confident and self-assured. Kenshin also seemed to be nervous as he did everything he could to avert his eyes around the room with a look of mild interest on his face.
"Kaoru-dono, Sessha almost forget he had homework to give you." Said Kenshin suddenly. Kaoru smiled on this one was more genuine. Homework, if ever there was an icebreaker it was homework. Once Kenshin had remerged from the depths of his schoolbag he brought with him a Home Economics textbook with the bold title; Foods of the World.
"We're to pick a country and then do background research on the dishes we've chosen to pick from that country," Said Kenshin cheerfully. Kaoru did not share his enthusiasm for a number of reasons. The first being her obvious lack of partner, nobody in their right minds would want to cook with Kaoru. 'Unless...' Kaoru glanced at Kenshin feeling her face flush. If he all ready had a partner then she would suffer complete humiliation. On the other hand he was a new student and therefore just as unlikely to possess one as her.
"Um...Kenshin. It says here we need partners..." Said Kaoru.
"Oro? Hai Kaoru-dono. This one was wondering if perhaps you would consent to being partners with him de-gozaru." Asked Kenshin hopefully. She beamed suddenly feeling elated. Nobody ever really asked her to be partners with them and sure Kenshin would probably regret it the instant he saw her cooking but until then she would remain delightedly cheerful. The day suddenly seemed a lot brighter.
"Hai! Arigatou Kenshin!" Grinned Kaoru, "What country do you want to do?"
"Italy?"
"Hai! Kenshin, can I ask you something?" Asked Kaoru curiously. She'd been wanting to ask him it ever since she first heard him speak. The overly polite suffixes and referring to himself as 'This One' or 'Sessha' it was a little bit odd. Kenshin nodded looking politely curious. "Why do you call yourself sessha and refer to me as Kaoru-dono? Most people just call me Kaoru. And what the heck does Oro mean?"
"Oro?" Said Kenshin bewilderedly before laughing slightly. "I don't know, if it bothers you Kaoru-dono..."
"No, it doesn't bother me. I was just curious," Said Kaoru hastily, "Anyway do you want to watch a film or something? How about Disney? Everyone's got a favourite Disney movie...even Sanosuke. He'll never admit it but his favourite is Sleeping Beauty!" Kenshin stared in surprise looking like he'd been clubbed over the head before chuckling.
"This one was unaware Sanosuke had a sensitive side to him de-gozaru. If Sessha had to choose, probably the Lion King or Beauty and the Beast." Kaoru grinned happily although feeling slightly cringed. Had she honestly just asked an eighteen year old boy what their favourite Disney movie was? The words had slipped out of her mouth before she could stop them or register what she was saying. 'Still, he doesn't seem that bothered. And the Lion King is one of my favourites...'
"Okay then, wait here and I'll go get the Lion King." Said Kaoru standing up. It didn't take her long to find her old children's videos. Mainly because they were all in a blue plastic box labelled Disney Collection. Inside it was like a treasure chest for under seven year olds everywhere. Nearly every single Disney film in creation was stacked up with the favourites being listed near the top. Grabbing the Lion King she retreated back into the living room and fumbled for a moment before shoving the video in the ancient video machine that sat next to the shiny DVD player. Once she was done she sat back down on the dog-free sofa next to Kenshin.
"The Lion King and Mulan are my favourites...Misao-chan is more into The Little Mermaid. I remember Okaa-san would watch films with us every afternoon once Yahiko was asleep." Said Kaoru as the old advertisements rolled on. Kenshin nodded but instead of volunteering any information about himself he smiled and Kaoru.
"It's been a while since this one has watched Disney movies, that is has." Said Kenshin warmly, "So, Kaoru-dono. If you don't mind my asking how long have you lived in Kyoto?"
"All my life," Said Kaoru rolling her eyes, "I visit Aizu a lot because of Megumi and we sometimes go on holidays. The only time I've been abroad was once when I was six and my parents took us to Great Britain. I can't remember much except for that it rained a lot." Added Kaoru wrinkling her nose. "What about you?"
"Sessha has travelled Japan quite a bit but has never been abroad." Said Kenshin. Kaoru nodded. The atmosphere between the two was much less strained. Although they watched the film in relative silence with Kaoru's odd comment about Scar or humming along to the songs it wasn't a tensions sort of silence. It was comfortable and at first Kaoru was slightly on edge but she soon relaxed glancing away from the screen every now and then to see Kenshin's reaction. His purple eyes watched with interest and the corners of his mouth twitched at odd moments. She still couldn't believe his hair was natural. Finally the film ended and credits rolled. Kaoru switched off the video machine and flicked it back to the midday soap opera that was on.
"Kenshin...just a question but is your hair dyed?" Blurted out Kaoru.
"Oro! No, Kaoru-dono my hair is natural." Said Kenshin tugging at his hair self consciously with the faintest flush of colour to his cheeks. Kaoru laughed at his reaction but the next moment her thoughts were interrupted as the ninety second news update flipped onto the television after the credits of the soap opera.
"In latest headlines Lord Yuusuke was found dead in his home this morning between the hours of nine and ten am. It is believe that he was assassinated. Tighter laws are being made to ensure the protection of the Japanese public...the UN is also starting to take an interest into the current situation facing Japan. Onto more news in shares and stocks this morning as..."
Kaoru stared. She should have felt horrified that another man had been killed or angry that perhaps this might affect her beloved Dojo. Instead she felt nothing...the initial shock had lost it's reaction. She'd seen too many such reports to trigger such emotions. Obviously it was horrible...she didn't know if she should be disgusted at her lack of emotion or concerned about how close this was hitting to home.
"It's awful..." She murmured under her breath, "I hope nobody else cancels.."
"Oro?"
"My father runs a Dojo," Explained Kaoru bitterly, "Lately due to all the assassinations people have been cancelling a lot. They don't want to practice the art of murder." Now she felt angry. It was so unfair...what had they done? Her voice grew stronger and louder with her next statements. "It's wrong though! Kamiya Kasshien Ryú isn't about killing! It's all about protecting life and these psychopaths are ruining it! Why do all this...why kill?"
Out of the corner of her eye she noticed how Kenshin's whole frame tensed slightly. 'He must feel the same...maybe that's why he moved away from Edo. That place was getting hit pretty bad.' Kenshin sighed and relaxed though before smiling sadly at Kaoru with his purple eyes sympathetic.
"Gomen nasai Kaoru-dono, I'm sure people with renew their faith in your Dojo again. Fear just makes people do strange things de-gozaru." Kaoru nodded and sighed. Just then the door barged open to reveal Misao and Yahiko in all their glory. They did a double take though when they laid eyes on Kenshin. Then, in unison they smirked and Kaoru glared knowing exactly what was running through the minds of her dear relatives.
"Now what is going on here? Spill up Kaoru!"
'Who needs enemies when I have family like this?'